GreatDane

i recommend you look into the PRS DGT model. they have a number of different available finish options; from very understated all the way up to very bling. here's why i recommend it: it can definitely do gibson (LP, 335) tones, but also has a lot of its own thing going on that should allow you to find your own sound(s) the pickups are coil-tapped, and are the best tapped pickups i've ever heard- no signal loss and very nice single-coil sounds. the humbucker "mode" is amazing as well. the neck is very comfortable if you like a slightly chunkier neck that isn't too chunky. it has a really nice trem system that is there when you want it, and unintrusive when you don't. it fits in with your style perfectly. you can find a used one for your budget (or less if you are patient) it will hold its resale value if you don't end up bonding with it, but it's got some serious vibe to it that you won't want to part with. here's mine (you might prefer something a little more subdued- PRS makes them with dot necks as well, and solid colors if you aren't into figured tops).

that is freakin' amazing, Mario. you have skills, both on and off the guitar. thank you for sharing all of this!

Hey Ben! sounds like a plan.. you better have beer though and a guitar for me to play! you can count on a ton of beer. i might even have an extra guitar for you to play too.

freaking awesome. thank you for sharing. and come to my house when you're done. i'll put you to work.

AcousticMusic.org has a shop in Guilford and usually has a couple of Collings among some other really beautiful instruments i keep meaning to get down there. not far from me. one day~ thank you, J!

i'd like to try Teye, Collings, Fano, Gustavvsson, Parker.

for one particularly good point of reference (IMO): a black '57 Duo-Jet is currently valued at around $5,000 - $6,200 according to the 2011 Vintage Guitar Price Guide. that assumes it's in great condition with case. i've seen them priced quite a bit higher, but not sure if they're exactly "flying off the shelves" at any price these days given the slow economy.

i like the finish, but not much else.

a les paul. of the guitars i own, probably this one.

here's a pic of my 2000 PC-1.

here's a thread about a guitar i have that's being broght back from the dead, so to speak: meandi restoring my '81 Gibson LP Deluxe

wow~ that's beautiful!

i haven't heard anyone worth listening to complain about LP studios. they are all Les Paul for much less $$$, especially used.

congratulations~ that's gorgeous!

that is gorgeous! congratulations on what i'm sure will be a new favorite guitar.

That's what I'd imagine seeing in a blues bar full of smokers & drunks. Right on. that's exactly where it's been~ thank you!

i have plenty of room in my heart for both plain tops and figured tops. here's a nice plain top, IMO: and here's a tasty figured top:

lots of cool guitars and amps/cabs for sale or trade in my signature ("eye candy" link)~ take a look and let me know if you see anything interesting!

Still have a few nice guitars, amps and cabs for sale or trade at the following web link: Hamer, McInturff, BadCat, Fender, Mesa/Boogie. here's a couple examples:

respectfully disagree. OK computer is the best. i could listen to that album endlessly.

Lots of nice stuff (IMO) for sale at the link in my signature. PM or email me at klaus_brohmann@yahoo.com (faster response from email). I will consider trades for high-end or vintage guitars (i.e. Gibson, Gretsch, Fender, PRS, Martin, Trussart, etc.), but CASH IS KING, y'all.

He uses Hohner Teles and Boss pedals. yes, his signature tele is a hohner. but what pedals and more importantly; what settings and what amp?

holy crap, that was awesome~ thank you, Frets! no doubt at all, Prince is a monster player. I want that tone. seriously. Any idea what he was putting that MIJ Signature Tele through?

if you had asked me two years ago, i would have answered yes. now, my "biggest thing" is my son. music is second, but it's a distant second.

i have no GAS currently. i am content.